Event information

The race is an "out and back" USA Track and Field certified course which takes runners from the southern side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Falls Bridge and back, all along the scenic, tree-lined, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive during the peak of Fall foliage in Philadelphia. This exciting event will help raise much-needed funding to support WHYY's award-winning programming and community outreach.

In addition to the 12K, race day events include:

Fred 5K
With his trademark cardigan and tennis shoes, Fred Rogers was a PBS icon and a beloved kid's televsion host. The Fred 5K will honor Roger's lifelong commitment to the welfare of childen and help to fund the more than 60 hours per week of nonviolent kids programming. 5K runners are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character from Mister Roger's Neighborhood.

3K Family Walk/Run
Bring your whole family out for this relaxing 3K, which will take place on the same course as the 12K! Run, walk, stroll or saunter while you enjoy the fabulous fall foliage along the Schuylkill River - strollers welcome!

Y Kids Family Fit Zone
Join your favorite PBS Kids costumed characters at the Y Kids Family Fit Zone. Scheduled activities include educational games, and more! Whether you are participating in the 12K or the 3K, the Y Kids Family Fit Zone should not be missed!

Clothes-Pin, a Philadelphia area non-profit that donates clothing to people in need will once again have donation boxes at the 12k packet pick up and at the starting line on race day! Working with many road races throughout the region, Clothes-Pin collects, sorts and distributes articles of new, or slightly used clothing and sneakers to shelters.

Directions

The Y12K start and finish line is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the southern side of the museum by the Schuylkill River. If you are standing in front of the Museum on Eakins Oval, the start line is to your left at the start of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

From Northern Locations: North Jersey, New York, Connecticut
Take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 4 (Route 73). Go one mile on Route 73 North and take the exit for Route 38 West. Take 38 West toward Philadelphia to route 30 West (follow signs for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge). Go over the bridge and follow the signs for I-676 West. Follow directions from I-676 West (see below).

From I-676 West (Vine Street Expressway)
Take I-676 West to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway exit (22nd Street, Museum area), on the right side. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto 22nd Street and get into the far left lane. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a boulevard with two outside lanes and two inside lanes. Turn left onto the outside lanes of the parkway toward the Museum, which will be in front of you on the hill. Follow the sign for the Art Museum. The Y12K starts and finishes on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on the southern side of the museum by the Schuykill River.

From Western Locations: Valley Forge, King of Prussia
Take I-76 East to Philadelphia. Take Exit 343 (Spring Garden Street). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left. Continue past the side of the Museum, through the first traffic light and around Eakins Oval, staying in the far left lane. Turn left at the second traffic light and then bear right. Follow the sign for the Art Museum. The Y12K starts and finishes on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive on the southern side of the museum by the Schuykill River.

Parking

Free on-street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Art Museum and Fairmount neighborhoods within walking distance of the Y12K.

Out of Town
PATCO - (856) 772-6900 or (215) 922-4600
The PATCO Speedline is an easy way to travel between southern New Jersey and Center City, with trains running approximately every 20 minutes on weekends.

Amtrak - 1-800-USA-RAIL
Amtrak offers convenient, comfortable trains with several routes making stops in Philadelphia. Trains arrive and depart from 30th Street Station, just a few minutes away from the Museum.

Awards

Awards will be given to the top three (3) male and the top three (3) female overall finishers of the 12K race. Prizes will also be awarded to the top finisher in each age group of the 12K race. Commemorative race t-shirts designed by Tony Auth, WHYY's Pulitzer Prize winning Digital Artist in residence, will be given to the first 500 registered 12k participants.

Volunteer

If you're not up for running 7.45 miles, but still want to participate, please consider applying to be a volunteer for the race day, we'll need plenty of extra hands. In addition to being involved in this great event and supporting WHYY, we'll even give you a free tee shirt! Sign up now »